Hi Karen/OnePlan, Thanks for the responses - I thought nobody loved me :-( Also, thanks for reassuring me. I want the kitchen to be as near to perfect as possible as this is my one and only chance. Craig

Hi There. Congratulations to your daughter! I think its definitely worth investigating the costs of covering the kitchen / diner area with spot lights as covering the entire area with 2 ceiling pendants may not provide adequate lighting when there is no sunlight coming from the living room windows. The lounge area can easily be covered using lamps but it is important to have sufficient lighting in the kitchen area. If spot lights are not an option, you can also consider LED lighting for under cabinet lighting for the wall units as well as the base units. Take a look at our recent blog which also mentions the importance of lighting: http://www.eternalkitchen.co.uk/featured/5-kitchen-design-essentials/

Hi Jonathan, Thank you, it’s certainly worth giving your design some thought, I really want the extension to be shorter, so I like the idea of widening it a bit. it’s a Victorian house and we want to keep as many original features as possible and in keeping so we won’t be removing the chimney breast or putting in bi-fold doors, but we could move the french doors to the end of the extension to look over the garden. I really wasn’t keen on a peninsular but I agree it’s a good use of space and this does get round the issue of two ceiling heights and the problems that will pose with the lighting. We can’t have a pitched roof so are definitely going with a lantern, the dining room will be staying as it is (except open plan) as we have a separate living room so we don’t need another dining space, but the extension could house the larder (housekeepers cupboard) and a sofa opposite if the extension was wider. Lots to think about, we don’t want to make a very costly mistake so thanks very much, I really appreciate you input.

Hi Patrizia, Ok so for the island, I take it there is an extractor fan in the middle for the hob? If so I would stick to the 2 spots either side and make sure your extractor fan has lighting (they usually do). The alternative could be to have a downdraft extractor fan (if it is still possible to change this). They are not as expensive as you might think, obviously as with everything you get what you pay for. Here's one relatively cheap but can fetch up to 2K! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cookology-CDD900BK-Kitchen-Downdraft-Extractor/dp/B0191SSA5I  If you do decide to have downdraft extractor fan, I would ditch the spots and put three pendant lights. This is going to to add instant character and statement pieces into your kitchen without looking like a football stadium! For the dining area I would also suggest to have one medium sized chandelier modern/traditional whatever you fancy. This is far more modern than having spots and will also allow you to add your personality and character - something spots can't do! Hope that helps! Rukmini Patel Interior Design